Location – 87 Marine Parade Central #03-208
Singapore 440087
Website – https://skool4kidz.com.sg/
Contact – +65 62802272
Introduction:
Skool4Kidz Preschools stands as a beacon in early childhood education, prioritising the holistic development of children through a blend of qualified teaching, intentional curriculum planning, and collaboration with families and communities. Driven by the visionary team led by the esteemed Dr. Jane Ching-Kwan, the school has not only established itself as a leader in Singapore’s early childhood education but has also garnered international recognition. In this comprehensive interview, we delve into the school’s philosophy, innovations, community outreach, and future aspirations.
Vision and Mission:
Skool4Kidz’s vision revolves around bringing success to every child through quality early care and education. Its mission involves collaborative efforts with families and communities to provide every child with a successful early start in life. The school’s belief in the holistic development of a child is echoed through professionally qualified teachers and a meticulously planned curriculum. Skool4kidz is committed to creating engaging learning spaces, integrating technology, and fostering an appreciation for nature through programmes like the Nature Curriculum and Outdoor Learning.
Dr. Jane Ching-Kwan – A Pedagogical Luminary:
Dr. Jane Ching-Kwan, a stalwart in Singapore’s early childhood education, leads Skool4Kidz. With three decades of experience and a Ph.D. in Child Development & Family Studies, she has synthesised methodologies from renowned early childhood theorists. Dr. Jane’s leadership emphasises integrated learning based on themes, incorporating the meaningful use of technology to build 21st-century life skills in preschoolers.
Innovative Programmes and Services:
Skool4Kidz sets itself apart through innovative programmes that integrate technology into early childhood education. Hosting the largest ‘Hour of Code’ since 2017, winning accolades at the MatataWorld Robotics Competition for three consecutive years and offering tailored early intervention through the Early Intervention Department showcase the school’s commitment to excellence. The in-house developed Nature Curriculum and Outdoor Learning further enrich the educational experience.
Beyond Traditional Curriculum:
Skool4Kidz aims to prepare children with communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through coding, technology, outdoor play, and STREAM-based home learning programmes that strongly support family participation. Its approach caters to different learning needs and provides a well-rounded education to children.
1. Its integrated thematic curriculum infuses coding activities for all language programmes (English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil) to engage Skool4Kidz children in critical thinking. Skool4Kidz engages children in active participation and learning through tech toys to learn simple programming and problem-solving skills.
2. With iPads, children learn to search for information using Kiddle and other search engines to build up knowledge about the themes introduced. They take pictures and videos of the process and create content to document and share their presentation.
3. Learning is always exciting and fun when conducted outdoors. Skool4Kidz’s curriculum includes field trips and outdoor learning experiences, which will deepen their knowledge of some theme-related concepts. For instance, when learning about nature, most activities are conducted outdoors.
4. Finally, Skool4Kidz works closely with parents to develop children holistically. It sends home home-skool connectors with activities for parents to do with their children and bring them back to centres for children to share their work with peers.
Motivating and Developing Student Interest:
Through a constructivist approach, Skool4Kidz actively engages students in hands-on experiences, encouraging active participation and peer collaboration. Emphasising collaboration, content creation, and the use of technology, the school ensures students are not passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning journey.
Financial Assistance and Community Outreach:
Skool4Kidz’s commitment to community outreach is exemplified through the Skool4Kidz Care Fund, providing financial, social, and enrichment support to children from lower-income families. Initiatives like subsidised enrichment programmes, partnerships with charity organisations, and distribution of essentials during the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the school’s dedication to social responsibility.
Uniqueness Defined:
Skool4kidz believes an excellent and quality curriculum has to be developmental, intentional, integrated, creative, cognitive, accessible and inclusive, where children are being encouraged to explore, guided to learn, challenged to succeed, loved to feel safe, accepted to be themselves.
It adopts the Integrated Thematic curriculum, which is anchored on the theories of four well regarded Early Childhood scholars, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Howard Gardner and Erik Erikson, to holistically offer young children multi-dimensional learning and developmentally appropriate activities that address different types of learning styles and desired learning outcomes.
In addition, Skool4Kidz children learn simple programming skills through coding and computational activities. Started with unplugged coding activities for three to four-year-old children to learn simple computational skills such as directional signs and sequential orders without relying on tech toys. As they get older, it incorporates simple tech coding toys like Robot Mouse, Bee-Bot and Code-a-Pillar for them to learn simple coding.
Staying Ahead of Educational Trends:
Recognised as one of the top 50 Most Influential Preschools in the Asia Pacific, Skool4Kidz stays abreast of educational trends through active participation in research studies and collaborations with educational institutions. The school’s focus on outdoor learning, meaningful use of technology, and collaborations with organisations like St. Luke’s Elder Care exemplify its dedication to staying ahead of the curve.
Awards, Achievements, and Collaborations:
Skool4Kidz has garnered numerous awards, including recognition in international architecture, influential preschool rankings, and SPARK certification for quality excellence in Early Childhood. Collaborations with charity organisations and initiatives like the ‘Little Giving Artists’ project showcase the school’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond its premises.
Future Plans:
Skool4Kidz envisions expansion, aiming to establish more centres in Singapore while maintaining its commitment to affordable, quality early care and education. The school’s future plans involve continuing to evolve with educational trends, contributing to the community, and nurturing the next generation of young minds.
Conclusion:
Skool4Kidz Preschools emerges as a leader in early childhood education, driven by a vision to provide quality care and education to every child. With a focus on innovation, community outreach, and a commitment to staying ahead of educational trends, Skool4Kidz stands as a beacon of excellence, shaping the future of Singapore’s youngest learners.